6 MiMfg Magazine December 2020
Keynote Conversation
Susan Corbin
Acting Director Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Q :
You come to the role of Acting Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity with a wealth of experience in state government . How does your background help you work with manufacturers ? Corbin : The manufacturing community has played an important role in my life , both personally and professionally . I grew up in a blue-collar town just north of Flint , in the heart of the auto industry , witnessing firsthand how the manufacturing sector creates value . It offered a continuously growing career path for many of my family members , friends and neighbors . Throughout my career in state government , I ’ ve worked directly with Michigan manufacturers in a variety of positions and regulatory programs , including Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the Department of Energy , Labor and Economic Growth where I had oversight responsibility for protecting Michigan ’ s workforce , with the Unemployment Insurance Agency , the Workers ’ Compensation Agency and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( MIOSHA ) falling under my direction .
When I served as a Division Director at the Michigan Public Service Commission , I was able to see closely the energy needs of Michigan manufacturers . Later , when I took on a leadership role at Labor and Economic Opportunity ( LEO ) as both Chief Deputy Director and now Acting Director , it showed me how manufacturing has a significant impact on Michigan ’ s jobs and our economy . The great contribution of our manufacturing industry is something all Michiganders need to be proud of and must continue investing in . This growing understanding of the sector has served me well in building relationships with our manufacturing partners .
11Has served as LEO Senior Chief Deputy since the department ’ s creation in August 2019 and currently serves as Acting Director .
11Served as a Senior Advisor in the Office of Governor Whitmer , Director of Customer Assistance in the Michigan Public Service Commission , Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the Department of Energy , Labor & Economic Growth and as Director of Appointments for former Governor Jennifer Granholm .
Q :
Rapidly changing regulations and an evolving legal landscape for issuing orders have perplexed many employers . What is LEO doing to help manufacturers stay up-to-date on these changes ? Corbin : Keeping workplaces safe is MIOSHA ’ s utmost priority and our team has proactively engaged regularly with MMA and business stakeholders and is continuously fielding questions through the COVID-19 hotline — 855-SAFE- C19 ( 855-723-3219 ) — from those who are inquiring about general compliance matters . We continue to educate businesses through live Q & A webinars , direct MMA member townhalls and the continuously updated resources on michigan . gov /
COVIDWorkplaceSafety , including posters , industry-specific requirements , factsheets , and sample preparedness and response plans .
The great contribution of our manufacturing industry is something all Michiganders need to be proud of and must continue investing in .
Over the coming months , Ambassadors will also continue our education efforts through visits to thousands of employers , providing individualized site assessments , tips , and suggested improvements to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission .